England fightback is further proof Rooney shouldn't start at Euro 2016

England's superb comeback in Germany on Saturday quite rightly drew plaudits from across the country, but it should have one man sitting rather uncomfortably.

Related: Dier seals England's superb comeback win over Germany

Wayne Rooney, national team skipper and a man who appears to do no wrong in Roy Hodgson's (and many of the nation's) eyes, sat out of the friendly in Berlin with a knee ligament injury. The performance in his absence - a win against the best international side in the world - makes it hard to find a reasonable argument for his inclusion in the starting XI at Euro 2016, even if he's fit.

Until 2016 rolled around, Rooney had scored just two league goals: one against Sunderland - the worst defence in the division at the time - and one at Everton, which has conceded more goals at home than any other team. Rooney was leading the frontline of one of the most limp attacks in United's history.

True, he had a turnaround in form in the new year, but his serious knee concerns have put doubts over his ability to return to fitness by the time the summer tournament rolls around. Hitting form is another matter altogether.

In his stead, Premier League top scorer Harry Kane led the line magnificently for England this weekend. The Tottenham Hotspur striker oozes confidence, as he isn't averse to pinging ambitious shots at Manuel Neuer and outmuscling some of the most decorated defenders in the game. With club colleague Dele Alli his usual busy self behind, Germany had to work overtime in an attempt to stymie Spurs' splendid duo.

Alli, like his international teammate and fellow midfielder Ross Barkley, has actually out-fired Rooney on domestic duty this term:

(Courtesy: BBC Sport)

Kane's goal, featuring a Johan Cruyff-esque turn on the ball that showed the neat footwork that complements his powerful style, was promptly followed by the introduction of Everton's Barkley and - most notably - Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. It sparked what previously seemed like an improbable result in the Olympiastadion.

Related - VIDEO: Vardy levels in Germany with audacious backheel

Vardy's goal was a delight, as he stroked the ball home with his instep to continue what has been an incredible, record-breaking season for the 29-year-old.

The exploits of Kane and Vardy at the club level, and their respective impact on the international stage, make it hard to overlook them for England's starting XI. Saturday's match was another audition for the pair, and they played together superbly in a front two when Hodgson made a tactical tweak following the personnel changes with 20 minutes remaining.

The self-belief of these forwards is unrivalled by any other compatriot in their position, and Tuesday's visit of the Netherlands to Wembley should serve as additional proof that Kane and Vardy deserve the nod ahead of Rooney.

Hodgson's favourites

One aspect of Hodgson's management that's rankled with some supporters is that he has preferred players, who he selects ahead of some more impressive performers on the domestic stage.

Once again, Danny Welbeck was drafted into the starting lineup. He's a longtime favourite of the 68-year-old gaffer who's performed admirably for Arsenal in his comeback from injury. But even when the striker was struggling for goals earlier in Hodgson's reign, he was regularly turning out for England.

Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere are other players who've had relatively simple selections in Hodgson's squads, but there's no greater teacher's pet than Rooney.

Related - Hodgson: Rooney a 'certainty' for England's Euro 2016 squad

No player has scored as many goals for England, and there aren't many who've shown the level of pride Rooney has in donning the Three Lions. However, there's no question the 30-year-old's powers appear to be dwindling and he's been outperformed by many Englishmen in 2015-16.

It's not just Kane and Vardy, either. A fit Daniel Sturridge can be a frightening proposition, as evidenced by his four goals over five league starts for Liverpool. If he stays out of the treatment room for the remainder of the campaign, he can make a similar case for Euro 2016 involvement in friendlies against Turkey, Australia, and Portugal.

Rooney should still be picked in the 23 - he's the captain and a veteran of five major tournaments - but a spot in the England strikeforce shouldn't be assured. It's simply undeserved.